Shade. It is something that San Antonians desperately seek out as respite from the grueling heat and sun. Even those who design multi-story buildings in an urban South Texas environment rely on shade devices to help with solar gain. One common exterior strategy for shading is to use the overhang of the roof, but for a multi-story commercial building this can prove to be a challenge, and vegetation or high-tech glass only goes so far. In the case of a healthcare facility, eliminating windows is not an option—studies show that blocking access to daylight hinders the speed of one’s healing process. Awnings, vertical fins, and light shelves are other exterior methods, but these can limit the appearance of the architecture.
For the entire article, please visit the Overland Partners online journal called "Birds Eye View".